Hostos Fernández Quesada Opens TABACALERA LA iSLA

Hostos Fernández Quesada has opened up his own factory in the Dominican Republic.

Called TABACALERA LA iSLA, it’s located inside the Gurabo Zona Franca—a free zone—in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Fernández opened last week, though that seems more of a soft opening given the time of year. He told halfwheel that there will be 10 pairs rolling cigars in January.

As for what cigars the factory is making, that remains a bit of a mystery. A press release says that the factory is focusing on making private label cigars, i.e. cigars for other companies to sell, but he declined to list his current clients.

“Having spent most of my life working in premium cigar factories and in the premium cigar industry at large, I am excited to pursue my dream of opening my own premium cigar factory,” said Fernandez, founder of TABACALERA LA iSLA, in a press release. “I feel fortunate and grateful to have been able to learn so much from so many iconic leaders of the premium cigar industry whom I love and respect. I intend to continue to make them proud, one premium cigar at a time.”

Prior to this, Fernández was working at Cigar Rings, a company that produces the paper bands found on cigars, and previously worked with Quesada Cigars, which is owned by his relatives.